Draining below returns. Then fill backup or not?

[Thinkly]

Every year I make sure my water is balanced prior to closing. I also drain the water below the returns, blow them out and plug them. After that I always refill the water level to a few inches below the skimmer, which basically means adding another 8" of water or so.

I refill it because the pool guy that taught me how to close said i needed the extra water in there I guess for weight. My question, is....why balance the water and than refill with water that is potentially unbalanced? It seems like taking a step backwards.

 

[Bama Rambler]

I wouldn't drain and then refill. Why not just blow the lines and plug them as they're blowing. Use a gizmo in the skimmer and blow the line through it.

 

[Thinkly]

I just happened to think, "I wonder if the reason I am supposed to fill it back up is to give the loop loc mesh cover more support when loaded with snow?" Is this a good reason to refill to below skimmer?

 

[Qwaxalot]

I just happened to think, "I wonder if the reason I am supposed to fill it back up is to give the loop loc mesh cover more support when loaded with snow?" Is this a good reason to refill to below skimmer?

This is true. Also fiberglass pools are more susceptible to ground movement and freeze damage.

As said above, blow the pool underwater from a gizmo in the skimmer.

 

[Swampwoman]

OP Mine's vinyl and the company that originally built it also says to bring level back up (or just eel it there as suggested.) They cited weight for wall support.
Just wanted you to know I've been told the same